NYC Synagogue Partnership Programs
“As we begin planning future events together I just want to reiterate how much we have enjoyed working with MJHS. Your talented team has significantly enhanced and broadened this community’s awareness on end-of-life concerns (both from a lay and professional perspective). We look forward to future collaboration and continued learning together.”
Rabbi Steven I. Rein
Park Avenue Synagogue
Thanks to a grant from the Caring Commission of UJA-Federation of New York, the Center for Jewish End of Life Care is pleased to provide numerous opportunities for training and partnership regarding end-of-life issues within a Jewish context for synagogues in the New York City metro area. The following is a list of the specialized training sessions offered.
Education for Congregational Members
- Includes fundamentals of Jewish end-of-life care options
- Clarifies and distinguishes between concepts
- Debunks common misconceptions re: hospice care
- Covers impact of recent health care legislative changes on patients and families
- Lead by a senior medical officer, rabbi, and social worker alongside the congregational rabbi
Hospice Volunteer Training for Congregational Bikur Cholim Groups
- Increases hospice literacy of existing Caring Committee/Bikur Cholim groups
- Assists synagogues to establish Bikur Cholim programs
- Training includes how to help children of seriously ill patients express themselves through Art & Soul™ program
Writing the Last Chapter Together
- A discussion that raises awareness about having the conversation with oneself and one’s loved ones prior to end of life
- Select partner synagogues will host this community-awareness symposia on end-of-life issues
- Open to all lay and professional congregants from surrounding synagogues and community
- Keynote speakers will be recognized experts from CLAL – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.
Caring for Holocaust Survivors with Dignity and Respect
- Understanding the impact of trauma on Holocaust Survivors at end of life
- Initiating difficult conversations
- Challenges of caring for survivors at end of life
Education for Medical/Health Care Practitioners from the Congregation
- Addresses unique professional and emotional challenges targeting this audience
- Explains the role a Primary Care Physician/Specialist can maintain in patient’s care while on hospice
- Introduces the spiritual journey of the terminally ill patient
- Covers impact of recent health care legislative changes on physicians and patients
- Lead by a senior medical officer, rabbi, and social worker alongside the congregational rabbi
If you are interested in bringing any of the following workshops and training sessions to your NYC-based synagogue or Jewish community, please contact Toby Weiss, Director of Cultural Sensitivity and Jewish Programming, MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care.
